Canon’s EF lens- 120 million milestone

Canon has now become the world’s largest lens manufacturer by reaching the 120 million units landmark for its EF-series interchangeable lens. The manufacturing of the autofocus lenses started in 1987. Recently it reached the 100 million mark in 2014. They have also held the first position in terms of market share since 2003.

The company’s proprietary EF lenses were launched in March of 1987 with the EOS SLR cameras. The evolution of the lens has led the industry through its evolution and the innovations that came along such the Ultrasonic Motor, Image Stabilizer, diffractive optical and Subwavelength Structure Coating.

The company’s offerings in the EF lens technology has 97 different cameras including the ones used for cinematography. Canon is known for introducing world’s first technologies in cameras. Following are its specialty renderings along with their ground-breaking world’s first technologies:

Camera Model

World’s first

Special features

EF300mm f/2.8L USM1

World’s first camera to use a lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM)

Fast autofocusSmooth AF drive performance

EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM3

World’s first camera to use Image Stabilizer (IS) technology

High precision and stability showing great IS results

EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM4

World’s first camera to use a diffractive optical (DO) lens element

Minimal aberrations in images

EF24mm f/1.4L II USM

World’s first camera to use Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC)

Minimal reflections

EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

World’s first camera to use Hybrid IS, which compensates both angle camera shake and shift camera shake

An algorithm to optimally adjust camera shakes according to data gathered by two lenses

The Canon group has been the most iconic name in the field of modern photography, standing alongside the likes of Leica. Such a milestone is an achievement to be celebrated by photographers all over the world. The company’s ground-breaking technology in recent times has effectively redefined photography.